2021 Map of Kelso Dunes

About this map

Mojave National Preserve contains some of the most striking aeolian landscapes in the high desert, centered on the massive Kelso Dunes and the surrounding Mojave Desert. This 2021 survey shows a topography defined by wind and water, where drainage systems like Kelso Wash and Cottonwood Wash carve paths through the sandy terrain. The small settlement at Flynn and the crossing of Kelbaker Road provide the primary human markers in this otherwise arid expanse. The map details the transition from the shifting sands of the Devils Playground to the more stable desert flats, offering a precise view of the modern boundaries and access routes within this protected wilderness area. It is a valuable document for understanding how contemporary infrastructure and ancient geological features coexist in this corner of San Bernardino County.